KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte — The municipal government plans to develop six major water sources worth an estimated ₱20 million and continue promoting organic farming to help protect crops from the anticipated effects of Super El Niño.
Vice Mayor Rommel C. Arnado said the municipality had been preparing for dry conditions for years through organic agriculture and the production of natural fertilizers.
“We have been preparing for so many years. Ang El Niño, it's been in and out of this country annually. So our preparation began a long time ago, since I became mayor. That's why we went into organic agriculture,” Arnado said in an interview after his State of the Legislative Address.
The municipality produces organic fertilizers, including bokashi and vermicast, to support crop production. Arnado said organic farming helps crops survive periods when water is not regularly available.
“Even if you don't regularly put water on it, basta malamig 'yung ilalim, nagsu-survive 'yung aming rice, 'yung aming mga commodities, especially sa mga organic farms namin,” he added.
The six proposed water-source projects are estimated to cost ₱20 million and are included in the proposed 2027 municipal budget. They have yet to be implemented.
The plans could help improve water access during prolonged dry spells, although the municipality has yet to provide details on the water sources’ locations, expected capacity, beneficiaries and implementation schedule.
Arnado also said the municipality is transitioning to solar power using local funds. The municipal government center and several public facilities are expected to begin operating on solar energy before the end of the month. (With a report from Lou Ellen L. Antonio)
